If you were asked what age you feel is best, it is likely you would answer somewhere in your 20’s. Whether or not this is a proven fact, I can’t say, but years ago I heard that the human body is at its peak at age 23—then it’s all downhill from there! This seems to fit with the world of sports—professional athletes are considered “old” if they are in their 30’s. And it seems to be true for Hollywood as well—celebrities do their best to dress and look like they are 26 (eventually the plastic surgery catches up with them!).
Now youth is a wonderful thing for sure. As a matter of fact, I think it’s pretty safe to say that is how most of us start out (now that is some serious humor!); but is it possible our culture has become so preoccupied with young age that we neglect what we have to gain from old age? Consider these words from Scripture.
“Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.” ~ Leviticus 19:32
“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” ~ Job 12:12
“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” ~ Proverbs 23:22
There is a fascinating account recorded in 1 Kings 12. Shortly after Rehoboam became king, the assembly of Israel told him he would win their hearts over if he would not be quite as harsh as his father Solomon had been. To this Rehoboam conferred with the elders who had served under King Solomon. They advised him to answer the people in a way that would gain trust and in doing so would really win the favor of the people so they would gladly serve him. But Rehoboam didn’t like the response he received so he asked the young men he had grown up with what they thought he should do. Their smug response is found in verse 10— “My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist.” The rest of Rehoboam’s reign was marked by evil, but I can’t help but think how his decision early on to reject his elders was perhaps a pivotal point in his life.
What is your attitude about the elderly in your life? Do you value their wisdom and give them the respect they deserve? How can you show greater respect to those older than you? If you haven’t already done so, choose an elderly godly man/woman you desire to be like. Learn from his/her wisdom. Old age can be a beautiful thing—it’s the direction we’re all moving in!
